Excellent Online

Starsailor
August 28, 2001
Troubadour

The show was sold out and I didn't bother to buy a ticket even though it was on sale for weeks. For a show that was only ten bucks, I was wondering how much the scalpers were going to be asking. I ask a guy standing by the Will Call window if he has an extra ticket, he hands it over and before I can ask how much, he already turned around. I say, "Thanks!" and just like that, I'm in Starsailor's first American show, correction, first headlining American show.

Beastie Boy MIKE D. has this weekend confirmed the closure of GRAND ROYAL RECORDS, the influential label founded by the Beasties in 1993. Citing mounting financial problems, the news of the label's demise is shocking to music fans and critics alike, as Grand Royal had built a name for itself as one of the most successful artist-controlled labels. "Our intentions were always simply to create a home for exciting music and the people who were passionate about it," said Mike D. in this weekend's final press release.

So... where have I been?

I’ve actually been getting e-mails to that effect, which creeps me out, ‘coz it makes me feel like I’ve actually got fans and then my head starts to swell. Which is a condition that, despite the momentary fun, is easily remedied by taking one step out of my apartment and seeing Iowa in the distance. The end game is, no one can be cool when they live where I live, so I’ll feel free to tread the self-deprecating path until people finally agree with me that I truly am little more than an insignificant ant in the schism we call Earth.

There is currently a lawsuit in progress between London based artists THE CLIENTELE and March Records. A spokesman for the band recently stated, "Regretfully, we would urge anyone with plans to buy our A Fading Summer EP on March Records NOT TO, as it's no better than a bootleg: none of the royalties owed to the band have been paid, legal action is currently being taken, and March Records' license to manufacture and sell it has been revoked." No one at March could be contacted for comment.

Spiritualized have been known for their insane album packaging. 'Pure Phase' was inside a glow-in-the-dark jewel case (one of my prize possessions), their last album, 'Ladies and Gentlemen We're Floating In Space' was inside a foil sealed pill box.

Their new album, 'Let It Come Down' will be a gold CD, housed in a plastic box with a sculpture by Don Brown. Dotmusic has a picture of the sculpture, and I must say that it looks pretty cool.

According to Billboard, Bjork's US tour will feature the Netherlands-based Il Novecento Orchestra. You can check out the tour dates here.

Music Goes On has an article about three Oasis fans who left a 1997 show with an earache. They checked into a hospital in Hanover, Germany and racked up a £3,700 medical bill. The concert organizers have decided to settle out-of-court and pay their bill.

I first saw Oasis in 1996 at the Whisky-A-Go-Go in Los Angeles and that was one of the loudest gigs I've ever seen.

Lisa sent me this bit of info: "Spiritualized are close to confirming a live date in Los Angeles in November. The band will be performing a three-hour set with no opening act, and will be accompanied by a 17-piece orchestra."

The new album is fantastic and I personally can't wait for this show!!

Maybe the Hammond B-3 is cursed...

Charlatans w/ B.R.M.C.
El Rey, Los Angeles
Wednesday, July 24, 2001

I lost count, I think I've seen the Charlatans over 6 times going back to their mind-blowing performance at the Palladium in 1992. I wasn't too excited about this gig because over the years the Charlatans have been putting out substandard records. Their first couple of albums were great with a few bad songs, but now they've been reduced to bad albums with some great songs. Black Rebel Motorcycle Club was opening and that was enough for me to go.